The asterisk

By Times Staff
Published May 22, 2006

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Bryan Bass calls from Frederick, Md., and it doesn't take long to see that he is still uncomfortable talking about his role on the 2001 team.

He transferred to Seminole from Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy in January, a projected first-round draft pick that would be a welcome addition.

But immediately, some parents began to worry.

Phil Stillwell, the starting shortstop to be, would lose his job. And while Bass was the No.6 high school senior prospect in the nation according to Baseball America , his school-hopping past had other parents worried there would be a price to pay.

There was: 10 games, to be exact. When the FHSAA ruled him ineligible, Seminole had to forfeit each of the games - all wins - he played in.

Whether it was a clerical error or a loophole, the fact remained - there would be an asterisk next to whatever Seminole did in many people's eyes.

Officially, the Warhawks finished 21-10. On the field, they were 31-0.

"We thought we had done everything we needed to do and what the (FHSAA) decided, there was nothing we could do about it," Bass said. "I'm glad that everything worked out though. I grew up playing baseball and loved it, and that I couldn't finish my senior ... it wasn't fun not playing."

NOW: Bass, now 24 and a third baseman, signed with Baltimore in 2001 and is playing his fifth season in Class A ball. He is with the high-A Frederick Keys in the Carolina League.